Shine Room 1993

1993

Donated by Mary Wheeler

Museum of Australian Democracy collection

In the early 1990s Burwood Court clerk, Bill Wheeler, campaigned successfully to have a room at the court set aside where victims could be apart from the accused, spend time with their family, police and lawyers, and generally collect their thoughts before giving evidence in court. The Burwood Shine Room opened in 1993. The idea spread to other jurisdictions and there are now similar rooms in several local courts, all providing a safe space for victims of crime.

Donor Mary Wheeler, Bill’s sister, writes:

Not only did Bill contribute beyond the call of duty in his workplace,
but he was always involved in other community groups.

Bill Wheeler was awarded the Public Service Medal in 1998 for his outstanding contribution to court administration. He passed away in 2007.